Empowering Indie Games: The Vision Behind Indie Fan Fest

In a recent announcement, indie publisher Digital Bandidos and event organizer The MIX revealed the launch of Indie Fan Fest, a digital showcase dedicated to promoting upcoming indie titles. The event, which premieres on September 24, aims to provide a platform for indie developers to gain visibility and momentum ahead of October's Steam Next Fest. GamesIndustry.biz had the opportunity to speak with Digital Bandidos CEO Steve Escalante and The MIX co-founder Justin Woodward about their partnership and the vision behind Indie Fan Fest. The conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity. Escalante reflected on the journey since Versus Evil shut down in 2023, stating that the experience was valuable, and he's excited about the new venture. When asked about the idea behind Indie Fan Fest, Escalante explained that it stemmed from the desire to help indies with discovery, as they often face limitations in terms of resources and visibility. The event is designed to provide a boost to indie developers, particularly those participating in Steam Next Fest, by offering a platform to showcase their games and gain organic lift. Woodward emphasized the importance of keeping the barrier to entry low, with a small submission fee of $600, to ensure that developers can participate without incurring significant costs. The event is financed through a combination of submission fees and sponsorships, allowing Digital Bandidos and The MIX to provide a sustainable platform for indie developers. In terms of game selection, both teams worked together to curate a diverse lineup of titles, considering factors such as pacing, audience appeal, and the need to balance different genres. The response from developers has been overwhelming, with over 700 trailers submitted for consideration. Escalante and Woodward acknowledged that discoverability is a significant challenge facing the industry, and they believe that Indie Fan Fest can play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Digital Bandidos is also working on a platform to solve discoverability, focusing on pre-launch support, user engagement, and direct communication. The goal is to empower indie developers to self-publish and succeed in a crowded market.